April 28, 2008

Did Jeremiah Wright Jr. blow it?

After more than 40 years in ministry, Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. can finally fulfill his prophetic witness to the widest audience. Rather than speak only to congregations, he now has the national spotlight to explain and educate the American public about his passion in the pulpit.

But did he squander that spotlight this morning?

Some members of his de facto fan club say he did. Roland Martin, a CNN analyst, who usually defends Wright and explains the nuance and context of his remarks, said he "blew it" by being too "flippant."

At Sunday's Freedom Fund Dinner sponsored by the Detroit branch of the NAACP, he preached to a choir that already appreciated his mission and message--much like the presumed audience for Friday's show.

And at the National Press Club on Monday, he made light of the reporters' questions, even cracking a joke that he sought a vice-presidential nomination.

The previously outspoken pastor did finally shed light on why he stayed mostly silent for weeks after controversial sound bites from his past sermons surfaced on the Internet. Quoting his late mother, Wright said it's "better to be quiet and thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt."

On Sunday, Wright pointed out that hundreds of black congregations over the past century had helped start the NAACP because of a mutual mission to establish equality for all. On Monday, he insisted that the rebuke of his remarks was really a rebuke of that African-American religious tradition.

"This is not an attack on Jeremiah Wright," he said. "This is an attack on the black church."

But he also suggested that the controversy stirred by the resurrection of his remarks-some of them seven years old-had ushered in a new era in which the black church can go from being "invisible" to "invaluable."

He didn't limit his messages to the Christian tradition. He also urged religious tolerance and cooperation on the part of all faiths, yes, including the Nation of Islam.

Calling Minister Louis Farrakhan "one of the most important voices of the 20th and 21st Centuries," Wright said he would not denounce the religious leader even though he disagrees with many of his views.

"When he talks, all black Americans listen ," Wright said. "I'm not going to put down Farrakhan just as Mandela would not put down Fidel Castro . He did not put me in chains. He did not put me in slavery and he did not make me this color."

In answer to a reporter's question about whether Wright believed that God wanted Obama be the next president, Wright replied:

"I have not offered myself [for the] candidacy of God. I cannot presume to know what God would want," he said. "If God intends for Obama to be president then no white racist . or political pundit can get it in the way because God will do what he wants to do."

And when asked about his patriotism, he asked how many years Vice President Dick Cheney served in the military, reminding the audience that he served six.

But by sticking to his anti-media trope, did Wright defeat the purpose of speaking to the Washington press corps? And in doing so, is he wasting a teaching opportunity? Or does giving the world an accurate picture of his feisty personality help people better understand his now infamous remarks?

For more thoughts, check out what my colleague Eric Zornhad to say. And for the political take, check out The Swamp. Also, check out thoughts from Dawn Trice.

Comments

Rev. Wright was absoutely outstanding! He spoke truth to power and was not afraid of consequence. He's not speaking from the perspective of a politician, rather, a man striving to live by the dictates of God himself.

I am offended by his remarks about JFK . I think He's the racist.He spews hatred and division. If a white person said these remarks it would a whole differant ballgame. He can't seem to keep his foot out of his mouth. Shame on him.

I watched his speech to the NAACP and listened to his national press club appearance. I saw a man mock white people - the way they think, their music, their history, and more importantly, the way the talk. Imagine a white person wearing black face? Well, the prophet of bigotry Reverend Wright is a the equivalent of that. He hates white people, he hates criticism, he is not moving this country forward. His ineptness in the area of science are criminal. CNN's resident bigots and propaganda mavens, Soledad O'Brien and Roland Martin, so disgraced themselves with their bias, that their careers can only be as Rev. Wright roadies.

I saw his speech and admire him for it. I gained a better understanding of black preachers and what goes on in a black church. His explanation of black vs. white European music for example, and the difference in rhythm styles was particularly interesting. I enjoyed his fiery speech and as you say, his feisty personality. I think he had a duty to himself, to his congregation, and to the black population watching to defend himself against the extremely unfair attacks waged against him based on a few sentences in one speech. Wright is a scholar and an honored war veteran. He has more than earned his right to express his experience as an American.

While I voted for Obama and continue to support him, I think that Wright and other black preachers should understand that when they imitate and make fun of white people and our way of doing things and expressing ourselves, this can be extremely insulting. I can get past that, but a lot of people can't. I would not presume to tell Wright or any black preacher how to preach, but it seems to me that if you're trying to make a point, there is a way to do it without making us sound like a bunch of stiff-lipped fools. You might say that a little ridicule is a small price to pay compared to years of slavery and racism perpetrated on black people in our national history, and I would agree with that. Still, if you're looking to heal wounds and reach out, it seems that a poke with a little stick is kind of a weird way to do it.

I don't think Wright is racist. You see what you wanna see but please listen to his words. He said "different is not deficient". He said this like a gazillion times in his NAACP speech but people will still not pay attention and hear only what they want to hear. His point about different music styles is valid because most schools teach one form while the black style of singing might still be maligned as being "stupid" or simplistic, a waste of time or whatever. It's different, not deficient. Not too long ago people demonized Elvis for singing "black music" hmmmm... never mind.
But I will ask, what do you think Jesus would be doing today? Would he be for the Iraq war? Would killing 30 innocent people to kill 1 terrorist be acceptable to him? Would he fight against poverty? Should Obama fight against poverty of all races?
God told Israel in the Bible to "Consider your ways"...we should too.

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s “flippant tone” (at times) during his Press Club speech is the least of it. (I would describe it as more hostile than flippant.)

Wright espoused views that, no matter what the context, 90% of America will be offended by.

A prior sermon that candidate Obama claims not to have heard 5 days after 9/11/2001 (when everyone thought there may be 10,000 dead in the WTC towers and MOST OF US were grieving) is one thing. Yesterday, Wright stood by his “chicken’s home to roost” statement and defended his “God damn America” sermon as supported by biblical theory.

Wright also praised a man that most American’s regard as a dangerous, anti-Jewish, extremist as “important”, reiterated his bizarre claim that the US government created HIV-Aids to kill blacks, and called America a terrorist nation.

These remarks were followed by Wrights speech at a NAACP dinner where Wright mocked JFK’s speech and body language (and the speech and body language of other white people) in a very mean-spirited way.

Barack Obama chose in early March, 2008 not to disown Wright, saying Wright was like family, and that he could no more disown Wright than he could “the black community” or his own grandmother.

Instead of letting the controversy die, Jeremiah Wright has chosen the limelight over the loyalty of his friend Barack Obama and in the process cost him the White House.

"...wasting a teaching opportunity????" The media is reaching absurd levels. They can not get over their crush on Obama, but the voters have, I'm afraid. They've been acting like a giant political strategist for Obama for the last year, and just saw all their hard work come crashing down with Wright at the Press Club. Wake up Obama media: Obama would never win a general election. What in his winning all those Republican caucus states made you think he would? Wright closes the deal for Hillary.

His Ying and Yang performance was very interesting. He obviously has a great mind and is very smart. He showed me that he is not a pastor, however, a pastor protects his flock and does not throw them under the bus for personal gain.

Speaking of Castro, Rev. Wright says "He did not put me in chains. He did not put me in slavery and he did not make me this color." True, I'm sure ... also true that NO ONE has EVER put Rev. Wright in chains or slavery. And as far as his color goes ... I would think a man of such obviously mixed heritage would practice would have learned to embrace tolerance.

As an African American, I am so ashame of what this man is saying and he is suppose to be one of God's leader. I would never attend his church and listen to this.
We all know that there is divison between races, and it always will be. As a man of God, he is suppose to teach the people how to bond this divison.
Thanks you Rev. Wright, you have successful destroy any chances of Obama getting in the White House, and you have the old saying alive "black people are like crabs in a basket."

Of course he's a racist and bigot, and of course he hates the USA. Amazingly, Wright hates blacks, too. Wright said blacks have different brains than whites. He said whites have cognitive brains, can think and reason logically, etc, but black brains instead allow blacks to verbalize, be creative, good in music. He must have read Murray's Bell Curve. What a hoot this guy is, because if he is right about this, then blacks are forever doomed to be impoverished and will never be able to improve their lives because, not having the brain to reason logically, means, among other things, blacks don't have the foresight to see the consequences of present behavior. It would also mean blacks wouldn't be able to see the value of education. They'll be too busy hip hopping their way to oblivion. But this Tribune rag won't discuss these lunatic comments of Wright. He should be run out of town. Instead blacks give him a standing ovation.

The timing of this self-rightous, self-aggrandizing tirade is just amazing. It is as though he is going out of his way to destroy Obama. What is clear is that Wright's ego is more important to him then Obama's fortunes - and more important to him then all these issues he claims to care so passionately about. If he really cared about poverty and black opportunity and criminal justice - then he would be trying to get Obama elected, instead of sacrificing him on the altar of pride.

The way he pranced around with this smug grin like he was real cute - tell me Pastor Wright - what does the Bible say about humility?

Rev. Wright is the saddest of characters. He's the Vaudeville performer who could not adapt when television came along. There was once a time and a place for his angry message. But times have changed. America's battle with the legacy of racism is not over, but whining foul from the sidelines is no longer the answer. Barack Obama candidacy provides a real opportunity to address the issues of race in an inclusive rather than exclusive manner. Rather than complaining about what has not changed, should we not embrace what has changed? What is amazing about our Country, is its proven ability make America a better place for each new generation. We have an African American and a Woman running for president! We should be proud of the changes that made this election possible! Even more will be possible for our children's children! Building upon what unites us as Americans, Black and White, is where our future is brightest. Focusing on what divides us has never solved any problems. Shame on Rev. Wright for his myopic focus on the politics of hatred and division. We must resist the temptation to fall back on familiar polarizing responses, and have the courage to continue to work for a better America.

There have been some very, very good posts here! My "white" family and I attend a "black" church. I have NEVER heard the "black" preacher say anything remotely similar to what Rev. Wright says. When I listen to Rev. Wright, I hear anger and bitterness --- which is contrary to what Jesus preaches. Rev. Wright does not appear to be promoting love and tolerance. I will pray for him, that he is able to forgive whoever it is that he's angry with!

Hopefully we can get to a place where differences in cultures are celebrated and shared --- not used to put others down. Maybe we can get to a place where we don't have conversations about the first black president, or the first female president, where these things are not issues. Where it would be strange to talk about the differences in our skin color.

I think there is hope! Young children today don't have the "prejudice" experience that us oldtimers have, so maybe this will all be reduced to a chapter in our history. Wouldn't that be great! And Rev. Wright, I'll be praying for you!

Yes, Indeed! He blew it. He gave a good opening speech. Then, when the questions came, instead of responding, he acted cute, and gave bad answers to which there were reasonable answers available. He is not an evil man, just one with an ego that is way too big.

But if the GOP campaign against Obama includes references to Jeremiah Wright, instead of arguments against high taxes, government-run healthcare and big government generally, then the GOP is void of ideas and still unworthy of campaign victory.

God's dictates are the 10 commandments. Are his statements teaching "love thy neighbor..."? Racism is racism, regardless of the skin tone of the person making racist statements. Hateful statements are likewise no less hateful because on a person's profession. Rev. Wright will be judged someday, with his soul hanging in the balance.

His statements were not taken from a few sentences in one speech. They span years and continue as of yesterday. Is our media no less responsible for continuing to provide him with the platform for spewing such divisive views?

Obama will get the blame for Rev. Wright's actions.
Bush is a drunk, as well as a liar. Yet Obama is
being punished for something his ex-minister does.
Who doesn't communicate with someone, who's totally different than him or herself? Also don't forget the American racism Wright has lived through, and still must face even today. How many white churches accepted racism as being a normal thing. Obama speaks for himself !!!

Rev Wright is not Obama father or mother who nurtured him as a child and molded his character and values at a young age. I believe Obama's character as a person, man and American was developed and stable before he became acquainted with Rev Wright.

I can not believe what I continue to here from Media and Professionals. The American people should become aware of the brain washing that can sway an individual from what is truth and fact.

As an so call African American I understand Rev Wright's flurtration with American Polites.

Point is that the media ask why Obama is not being aggressive in responding to allegations. On the other hand they are wondering why he is not fighting. You can get more accomplished with patients than with emotions. I believe Obama has a unique mannerism in connecting with people. This will bring American together. It will be the President American needs in these difficult times.

Rev Wright has been wronged by the Media. I believe he feel as an American who served his country and the citizens in his community, he sees his character and sermons exploited, yes, he is angry and rightfully so. Yes, he needed to defend himself. Maybe, he did not do it in a manner that is acceptable to everyone. We all have had instances when our actions may not be acceptable to others. I don't believe he is the negative person, his character has been attacked. There was more truth in his message than negative. Our Government should make some apologies to the American people for the mess we're in. Also the Media should apologize to Rev Wright, he is not chopped liver, he is a human being with feeling. .

As a African American Christian, I am foremost concerned with a "pastors" conduct. This man has repeatedly made the striving and blue collar African Americans of this nation look even worse, especially those who defend him.

He is CLEARLY a divisive and hostile individual, with no concern for Mr. Obama. This is a trap, and the media knows he can't keep his mouth shut.

And concerning his snide remarks (no matter HOW unfair they were).....Have you ever been crucified publicly? Have you ever been acused of blasphemy as out Lord?

Nope. Then there is nothing to gripe and the flippiant behavior appears all the more self servine and obnoxious, would Jesus do this?

Even if What Mr Wright said was true in parts......we have an obligation (as followers of Christ) to be known by our conduct and the way we treat others and each other in patience (1 Thes 5:14).

I Thess 5:15,

"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to ALL men."

If you are a follower of Christ, the obligation is to the Gospel ABOVE ALL, and Mr Wright....is God's arm too short that it cannot save? Does he need your help via flippiancy and praising Louis Farrakhan merely because of what he says to AA people?

That man (Farrakhan) denouces Jesus a God's son.....the Apostle Paul said that if any man preach another gospel than what we teach, let him be anathema (accursed).

Mr Wright, stop assimilating along color lines. Stand for the call of Christ above all else....

This Rev. Wright drama reminds me of an ongoing discussion that I keep having with my father (we are black). I say that the black organizations of the past such as the NAACP are irrelevant. And they've done it to themselves. My reason is because the old guard (his generation-also Wright's) mainly cares about keeping their positions of status that they have worked so hard to obtain. ( For which by the way, I am grateful because doors are open to me that weren't for my Dad) This in turn discourages the next generations (mine - I'm 40 - and my childrens) from getting involved or even caring about those issues with the same passion and vigor. Then what happens is that they lack the injection of new and progressive ideas that come with a youthful perspective of the world. Thus becoming ineffective and resulting in the loss of releveance that the old leaders so dearly try to maintain. I believe Rev.Wright is a perfect example of this. He claims that he has retired yet, he has found an even larger pulpit and forum from which to speak, making him feel empowered. In doing this, he pushes aside the new up and coming leaders such as Obama. He's so blinded by his sense of entitlement and inflated pride due to his being a direct victim of the institutionalized discrimination that this country had during his life that he cannot and will not, and in a sense is unable to, pass the baton. We did not get where we are by lambasting white people or the "system". We got where we are by showing that we are simply human beings who are no diferent form anyone else and therefore there is a moral responsibility to invite us to the table of opportunity. Are we at the head? No, but we are there with a voice and Obama represents a chance to be at the head for once. The reality is that the issue of race in this country is slowly dying as we are becoming a much more blended society. The issue ( which includes race is poverty, an issue that is more important to blacks than whether or not we are getting our "props") Wright's perperspective is irrepairably damaged based on the victimization he has suffered for more than half of his life. He has a sort of "racial post traumatic stress disorder" So he spouts off these "radical" ideas which may warrant some reflection yet, are not the issues and problems that are important today.This not only hurts the chances and limits the ability of our generation to affect the issues that we see need addressing, but it turns us (my generation) off, resulting in most of us simply disengaging ourselves from the process altogether. The irony here is that change is done by the young. The freedom fighters were young people. King was young. Jackson was young. Carmicheal and so on. Not to mention the children who were doing the sit-ins. They were high-school aged! When I look at the hypocrisy of it all, it makes me sick. Wright illustrates this point with shocking clarity. It may actually be in Obama's best interest to drop out at this point. I think that if he wins the nomination, he may already be damaged goods in this election cycle since it gives people who emotionally have a problem voting for a black president yet can not logically deny the best chioce, an out. Obama is young enough to run again in 4, 8 or
even 12 yrs. By then all this will be forgotten and
Wright won't be all over the press. If Obama gets
the nomination and loses badly, that may be interpreted as "a brotha can't win the presidency". And thus make it more difficult for another black person to seriously contend for the position. But it looks like he'll win the delegates, states and populor vote ( provided we don't change out own rules and include Florida and Michigan) and still lose to Clinton because after all this nonsense, the party leaders would prefer her over Barack. This of course will be simply handing the election to McCain since all the new voters and black voters that showed up for Obama will simply walk
away, feeling cheated. I don't believe that Clinton
has a chance at winning the general election regardless of who the Republican Nominee is because she is dispised by so many (yes even women) for lots of reasons albeit, some quite illogical. This campaign has exposed her to be little more than a Republican in a Demacrats clothing, as far as attitude and tactics are concerned, leaving one to wonder whether or not things would change if she were elected. Which is what Amricans want...change. And.... if she gets it.. the Republicans are going trot out a new scandal every week. Why? Because they are probably out there and if not, they'll be invented. And this will have the same effect on future female candidates as the aforementioned effect on black ones. This whole primary started out with such great promise only to fall apart by our own doing as Demacrats. The Republicans have one point about us. WE
ARE DISORGANIZED AND UNFOCUSED, WITH NO CLEAR AGENDA! We can't even run our own primary properly. Who's brilliant idea was it to start changing election dates for the states in the first place? Why? For national attention? For financial windfall? The Demacrats are supposed to be the party that fights for the rights and causes of the common people yet all we have turned out to be is just that...common. And it pisses me off!

I feel that Wright is causing so much misunderstanding on what Christianity is all about. He is a bitter man who dwells on the past. We need to go forward with love and unity which he should be preaching. All you hear from him is divisiveness, hatred, and anger. God loves us all the same. Really looks like he is in retaliation mode toward Obama for dismissing him from his advisory staff. All his actions show he is very self-centered, and a very scary individual. He is clearly out to wreck havoc for Obama. I've known many black pastors and had many good black friends through the years, and color was not a big issue. Now it seems it is all we hear about. It is difficult to think of him as a pastor.